From Isle of Aaran to Kelso

Posted bycinnicrewPosted inScotland

Day 3

July 15, 2025

Isle of Aaran, Lochranza, ferry, drive, Kelso (on the east side of Scotland)

Stats: 14,miles, AIS: 1:27, Elev. 836 ft, Speed: 9.9 mph

View of the bay in Lochranza. That’s what remains of a castle along the shoreline

We needed a much earlier start today to arrive at the ferry by 10:30am. The hostel had a simple continental breakfast… toast, cereal, yogurt, juice, coffee and tea.

This morning we woke up to what is going to be one of the best weather days we will have in Scotland. If the forecast remains to be true. We had nothing but sunshine and no wind. The temperature was very comfortable for climbing. We departed at 8:30am to ride back. Within a mile we started our last big climb on the island. It wasn’t as steep as the one yesterday but it was definitely the longest climb and descent. It had several false tops as we went up into the mountainous area.

Our first view leaving the hostel
This is the view looking back into Lachranza.
You can see the bay far far below!
Coming down after the long climb up. It’s so great to see everything today
in the sunshine

There were several cyclists descending as we were climbing. Probably it’s used as a good weather training day! Coming off the ferry there were lots of cyclists today.

We had a really long descent with a great view of the sea coming down. We could see all the mountain tops so clearly this morning. At the bottom we followed the shoreline back to Brodick. There was the cutest little town along the shore with neat and tidy homes… all with flowers out front. Between the looks of the tidy homes, flowers and the smell of the sea I was reminded of my sister Mimi’s home at Martins Beach near Half Moon Bay, California. What a pretty place to live…even if the weather is dreary.

We arrived in plenty of time to catch the ferry. A nice finish to a beautiful island ride.

The hilltops are pink with an evergreen shrub… is it heather?
Waiting for the ferry
You can see the pink from the heather on the hillside above town
View from the ferry landing
The ferry coming to get us
A view from yesterday’s wet ride. That’s Sandy going down the hill in front.
The smallest house in Scotland (?).
It’s called The Wedge… appropriately

We drove a few hours to the east side of Scotland. The town is called Kelso. It’s south of Edinburgh in an area they call “The Borders”. The area borders England. This is where Sandy lives now.

It is currently Civic Week in Kelso and the borders areas. Tonight Sandy is playing with the Kelso Pipe band in the town square center.

The park above the Kelso town square. We walked to the Kelso Civic week celebration
The River Tweed in Kelso
The Kelso Abbey
The Kelso Abbey
A country dance in the town square
Here I am with my favorite piper Sandy
Now it’s time for The Pipes
The pipes are calling
Scotland the Brave.
Signature marching song
I’ve never seen these two signs together

There’s a torchlight parade and fireworks to conclude the Civic Event for today. But I called it a day after watching the rather quick little parade.

Tomorrow we take a ride in the borders in the morning. Looks like the weather will be good in the morning. We have a few days here in the borders while Sandy has some civic week pipe band duties.

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